PSPEC_Questions_and_Answers.pdf

Section 3: Requirement:

Ref: 3.1.1.

Harness Container. Including harness, detachable radio pocket, detachable parachute oxygen system pocket, parachute data card, MARD, and technical manual.

Question 1:

What are the specifications of the parachute data card?

Answer 1: Standard commercial parachute data card with the pocket able to accommodate Army Form DA 3912.

Question 2:

What are the expectations of the technical manual? What format will be required? Is this manual intended to demonstrate assembly as well as packing? Electronic or paper?

Answer 2: The manual should be a standard commercial manual. The format should be in Microsoft word format. The manual should demonstrate assembly, packing, and inspections.

Ref: 3.1.2.

Main Canopy Assembly. Including main parachute, slider, risers, and control lines.

Question & Comment: Risers form part of the harness/container system, not the main canopy.

Will MCSC expect to see main risers be packaged with the main canopy?

Answer: Yes. The main canopy assembly consists of all associated parts of the main parachute that are not permanently attached to the harness assembly.

Does the phrase “control lines” in the above requirement include the rest of the suspension lines?

Do risers include steering (control) toggles?

Answer 1: No. Suspension lines should be considered part of the main canopy.

Answer 2: Control toggles may be considered part of the risers or part of control lines.

Ref: 3.1.3.

Reserve Canopy Assembly. Including reserve parachute, slider, risers, and reserve static line.

Question & Comment:

Risers form part of the harness/container system not the reserve canopy. Reserve risers are attached to the harness/container (h/c) and cannot be removed. Is it the intent to leave it part of the h/c?

Do risers include steering (control) toggles?

Are all suspension lines and control lines included?

Answer 1: No. The reserve canopy assembly consists of all associated parts of the reserve parachute that are not permanently attached to the harness assembly.

Answer 2: Control toggles may be considered part of the risers or part of control lines.

Answer 3: Yes

Ref: 3.2.1.

Parachute Harness Marking Container.

Question: Instead of saying “The lowest maximum”, should the statement instead say “minimum operating weight” and “lowest minimum pack opening speed”? The use of minimum and maximum is more common for parachute industry.

Answer: Correction will be made to remove maximum.

Ref: 3.2.7.

Main Canopy Color. The main canopy shall be silver in color and the associated deployment control devices shall be of a color that is distinguishable between sizes (if two harness or canopy sizes are used).

Question: What are the “deployment control devices” that are being referred to in the above requirement?

Answer: Deployment control devices include but are not limited to pilot chutes, drogue chutes, bridles, deployment bags, slider, cut-away pillow, etc. The intent is for a parachute rigger or operator to be able visually identify if they have the correct sized items for the parachute.

Ref: 3.2.8.

Reserve Canopy Color. The reserve canopy shall be silver in color and the associated deployment control devices shall be of a color that is distinguishable between sizes (if two harness or canopy sizes are used).

Question: What are the “deployment control devices” that are being referred to in the above requirement?

Answer: Deployment control devices include but are not limited to pilot chutes, bridles, deployment bags, slider, reserve pillow, etc. The intent is for a parachute rigger or operator to be able visually identify if they have the correct sized items for the parachute.

Ref: 3.3.1.5.

Rapid Reserve Deployment Breakaway Drop. The RRD feature shall meet the functional requirements described in PIA TS 135 section 4.3.8.2.

Questions & Statement:

As previously discussed in a letter sent to the USMC MCSC, TS 135 is a sports standard that does not take into account that a military reserve canopy may need to be deployed at 24,999ft MSL off the ramp, at high speeds and weights, as well as 2000ft AGL and open in time. TS 135 on this requirement will box the manufacturers in. How will the MCSC take into consideration the high speeds at high altitudes with high weights when referring to breakaways? How is the MCSC going to measure the impact of this? It may not be in the best interests of the MCSC to have a reserve that opens within a specified number of feet or time at low altitudes, display those same characteristics at 24,999ft.

Answer: Per PIA TS 135 section 4.3.8.2 “From the time of pack opening, the parachute canopy must be functionally open within the altitude or within the allowed time as calculated in 4.3.8.”

Marine Corps Systems Command (MCSC) anticipates industry will use the “must be functionally open” portion of the PIA spec to meet this requirement. This requirement should be applied to altitudes up to 5000 ft. mean sea level. Manufacturers shall fully characterize pack opening times, altitude loss and performance throughout the system employment range.

3.3.12. Fitment.

Ref: 3.3.12.1.

Two Harness Sizes. The E-MMPS harness assembly shall fit the 5th percentile female to 95th percentile male parachutist as defined by MIL-STD-1472 with up to two different size harnesses.

Question:

Would this also be the Threshold (T) when it comes to fitment?

Are adjustable harnesses acceptable even though we may offer two sizes? The word adjustable has been removed from this requirement but it is in the requirement for one harness size below.

Ref: 3.3.12.2.

Answer 1: Yes. Two sizes are threshold and one size is objective.

Answer 2: Yes. Adjustable will be added.

One Harness Size. The E-MMPS harness assembly should fit the 5th percentile female to 95th percentile male parachutist as defined by MIL-STD-1472 in one adjustable harness.

Question: Would this also be the Objective (O) when it comes to fitment?

Answer: Yes.

3.3.13.5. Stitching.

Ref: 3.3.13.5.2.

Stitching Contrast. All E-MMPS stitching colors shall be of a color to contrast/differentiate between stitching and surface materials.

Question:

We understand contrast stitching, but not the term surface materials. What are surface materials that are being referred to by the MCSC?

Is contrast stitching required on the main canopy, reserve canopy and harness/container?

If so, is contrast stitching required on all parts that make up these components?

Answer: Surface materials refer to top layer of material sewn together. Binding tape, canopy fabric, and suspension lines are examples of surface materials. The intent is for stitching defects to be easily identifiable to personnel conducting maintenance and inspections. For example, a silver canopy sewn together with white thread is contrasting, while a black deployment bag sewn together with black thread is not.

3.4.3. Horizontal Travel

Ref: 3.4.4.

Glide Modulation. The E-MMPS main canopy should have a mechanism (not a technique or brakes) that reduces the glide ratio (glide modulation) to allow for small target landing zones (70m x 100m).

Question: Must the mechanism be disengaged for landing?

Is it a requirement that the main canopy be able to land with both the mechanism engaged as well as disengaged?

Is the 70m x 100m target-landing zone clear of surrounding obstacles, such as trees or is this the size of the landing area in clear open space?

Answer 1: Yes. The parachutist should be able to land normally using a flare technique with the mechanism disengaged. There is no requirement to land with the mechanism engaged. Trim tabs are not considered to meet this requirement.

Answer 2: The 70m x 100m target landing zone should be considered to have obstacles surrounding it.

3.6. E-MMPS Detection Mitigation.

Ref: 3.6.2.

Visual Detection. All E-MMPS system components should provide detection mitigation across the visible and electromagnetic spectrums.

Question:

Is there a Threshold (T) and Objective (O) that should be applied to this requirement?

With no commercial fabrics available for this, what is the expectation of the government for manufacturers such as ourselves who do not have access to US DOD developed materials?

Answer: This is an objective and no value is attached. The intent is to form a baseline for future refinement of this requirement.

Test

4.4.3 Horizontal Travel

Ref: 4.4.3.1.2.

Test. At least one live jump test will be conducted with a preplanned landing zone allowing for the required horizontal travel, plus or minus 10%, to ensure that the EMMPS main parachute can cover 23.5 km from an altitude of 19,999 ft. MSL after exiting from an aircraft and freefalling for 1,000 ft. and arrive 1,500 ft. above the drop zone in all wind conditions.

Test data will be evaluated to determine the ability to meet the threshold 4.5:1 glide ratio [NOTE: Horizontal travel threshold and objective can be covered during the same test if the landing zone area allows for at least 23.5 - 26 km].

Question:

The actual glide ratio is clearly defined throughout the horizontal travel specifications. However, stating that this should take place in all winds, creates concern and raises questions.

Do we assume that the jumping conditions are safe and that wind conditions throughout the flight are safe and within the ability of the jumper to manage?

Do we assume that the exit point is accurate and up wind of the target, or the spot is good and is as required in order arrive at the designated landing area?

If so, we believe it should be stated as such or more clarification should be noted around “in all winds”.

During evaluations, no two jumps are the same. Testing canopy A in the morning and then canopy B later, could yield dramatically different results during horizontal tests as wind speeds and direction change throughout the day.

Answer 1: Yes. Jump conditions should be considered safe. 0-18 knots on the ground are the current ground wind limitations with no upper altitude limits.

Answer 2: Yes. These will be conducted within current USMC military freefall techniques and procedures. Manufactures should correct data to a no wind condition to demonstrate this performance. Manufactures should consider this the minimal distance to meet under worst case conditions.

4.6.2. Visual Detection.

Ref: 4.6.2.1. Inspection. Inspection of the E-MMPS will be used to ensure the materials of the parachute assembly reduce visible detection during darkness.

4.6.2.2. Analysis. Analysis of vendor provided data will be used to ensure that the EMMPS system components provide detection mitigation across the visible and electromagnetic spectrums.

Question: We require more clarification on this test, both visual and analyses. See also 3.6 above.

Answer: Inspection of the materials will be used to characterize visible spectrum, IR and near IR material characteristics exhibited during darkness.

Analysis will compare these values with values determined from inspection of current service parachutes.

3.3.2. Riser Release Safety Feature. The E-MMPS container shall incorporate a safety feature to release the main canopy in the event of a riser breakage. The system shall release from either one or both risers.

Please clarify the location of the breakage required in 3.3.2.

By design, in order for the entire riser to separate, the breakage would have to happen below the riser confluence wrap. In all likelihood, if the parachute opening forces are such that the riser breaks, the failure would take place on either the front or rear riser leg (or both) above the confluence wrap.

Risers are constructed from PIA-W-4088 Type VII webbing having a 6000 lbf minimum specified strength. By construction, there are two plies below the confluence/RSL attachment. Allowing that the sewn joints and folds may weaken the webbing by 20% and that general wear and age may further reduce the strength by 10%, the strength of the riser would still be greater than 8500 lbf. Therefore, a worn and aged riser, built from material of minimum acceptable strength, at max AUW, with a severely uneven load distribution, is still strong enough to withstand opening shocks sufficient to kill a jumper.

To the best of our knowledge, no riser failure was ever reported on a properly maintained military system.

Additionally, the release sequence should be such that, in the case of short stroking the cutaway, the riser without the RSL will always release first.

Answer: A manual cut-away system to release both risers will be considered the threshold. A system with some form of automation to will be considered objective. This feature attempts to address riser failure from different causes to include improper assemble, improper construction, or improper maintenance.

3.3.14.3. Structural Overload Strength. The E-MMPS shall satisfy at least one of the strength requirements described in PIA TS 135, Section 4.3.6 (4.3.6.1 - 4.3.6.4).

4.3.14.3. Structural Overload Strength.

4.3.14.3.1. Analysis. Analysis of vendor data will be used to ensure that the E-MMPS satisfies a structural overload factor of safety of at least 1.2 for each harness size at a jump altitude of 25,000 ft. MSL.

Please confirm that 244 knots is the required test speed or provide the MOS at which the test should be conducted at sea level given that:

The PIA TS 135 requires that the overload test be conducted at 1.2 times the maximum operating weight (MOW) and maximum operation speed (MOS).

Based on requirement 3.4.1, the MOW is 425 lb. Therefore, the test weight should be 510 lb.

MOS is undefined in the spec. Since the system is being used from a C-130 aircraft, the assumed flight speed is 135 knots at sea level. If the system is dropped at 24999 ft.

MSL, the MOS would be 203 knots and the test speed 244 knots.

Understanding that the strength test weight is 510 lb., please specify the test speed and test method required to satisfy the strength test for the main canopy given that:

The PIA TS 135 applies only to reserve parachutes.

The main parachute will be deployed either after drogue stabilization or directly from the aircraft in DBSL mode.

Answer: The E-MMPS should be able to satisfy the structural over load with a safety factor of 1.2 the Maximum operating weight at 25,000 ft. MSL from a C-130 aircraft at 135 knots indicated air speed.

3.3.14.4. Freefall and Opening Shock. The E-MMPS, both the main and reserve, at the minimum operating weight, with an individual weighing not more than the maximum operating weight, shall successfully complete freefalls IAW PIA TS 135 section 4.3.11 without the user(s) suffering significant discomfort from the opening shock and able to disengage themselves, unaided, from the harness after landing.

4.3.14.5. Freefall and Opening Shock.

4.3.14.5.1. Analysis. Analysis of vendor provided data will be used to ensure that the E- MMPS completed a minimum of four live tests with an individual weighing not more than the maximum operating weight. Data shall show that two live jumps included a freefall of not more than 3 seconds and 2 live jumps included a freefall of at least 20 seconds. The user(s) must not suffer significant discomfort from the opening shock and must be able to disengage themselves, unaided, from the harness after landing.

Given that maximum opening shock is unspecified in both 3.3.14.4 and 4.3.14.5.1, the evaluation is subjective. Please provide the criteria by which the assessment of “significant discomfort” and “unaided disengagement” will be made.

Answer: Significant discomfort and unaided disengagement should be assessed according to normal industry standards. Unconsciousness, bruising, and concussions are examples of significant discomfort.

3.4.3. Horizontal Travel.

3.4.3.1. Threshold Horizontal Travel. The E-MMPS main canopy shall allow a parachutist at 85% of maximum AUW to travel 23.5 km horizontal distance from an altitude of 19,999

ft. MSL after exiting from an aircraft and freefalling for 1,000 ft. and arrive 1,500 ft. above the drop zone in all wind conditions [NOTE: Unless otherwise specified, assume all drop zones mentioned in this specification for horizontal travel are at 0 ft. MSL].

4.4.3. Horizontal Travel.

4.4.3.1. Threshold Horizontal Travel.

4.4.3.1.1. Analysis. Analysis of vendor provided data will be used to ensure that the E- MMPS main canopy allows a parachutist at 85% of maximum AUW to travel 23.5 km horizontal distance from an altitude of 19,999 ft. MSL after exiting from an aircraft and freefalling for 1,000 ft. and arrive 1,500 ft. above the drop zone in all wind conditions.

Vendor data will be evaluated to determine the ability to meet the threshold 4.5:1 glide ratio [NOTE: Since vendors do not typically jump at that high of an altitude, extrapolation of data may be used].

Please confirm that this requirement should include the offset capability demonstrated with data corrected to No Wind Conditions. Otherwise any ram-air parachute could virtually meet the criteria and/or a parachute with gliding capability greater than 4.5:1 could fail the demonstration in case of an upwind flight.

Answer: These jumps will be conducted within current USMC military freefall techniques and procedures. Manufactures should correct data to a no wind condition to demonstrate this performance. Manufactures should consider this the minimal distance to meet under worst-case conditions.

3.4.4. Glide Modulation. The E-MMPS main canopy should have a mechanism (not a technique or brakes) that reduces the glide ratio (glide modulation) to allow for small target landing zones (70m x 100m).

4.4.4. Glide Modulation.

4.4.4.1. Inspection. Inspection of the E-MMPS will be used to ensure that the E- MMPS main canopy should have a mechanism (not a technique or brakes) providing glide modulation, which reduces the high glide ratio to allow for small target landing zones (70m x 110m).

4.4.4.2. Analysis. Analysis of vendor provided data will be used to determine the glide modulation capability and effectiveness.

Since reasonably skilled jumpers should be capable of landing on a 70X100m target with a conventional steering system, please specify the required glide modulation ratio (i.e. x% of the maximum glide ratio) or the minimum glide ratio that should be achieved (in no wind condition) with the glide modulation system.

Answer: The parachutist should be able to land normally using a flare technique with the mechanism disengaged. There is no requirement to land with the mechanism engaged. The 70m x 100m target landing zone should be considered to have obstacles surrounding it. Trim tabs are not considered to meet this requirement.

The performance of the glide modulation should allow parachutists to minimize the use of “S” turns to burn off altitude. The jumper should be able to approach the drop zone at a higher glide angle and use the glide modulation to compensate for winds, obstacles, and speed to maintain a straight in approach land inside the target area.

3.4.1. Weight Requirement. The E-MMPS main canopy(s) [use of 2 different sized canopies due to 2 different size harnesses is acceptable] shall be capable of deploying in all configurations with a parachutist weighing 165 lbs. to 425 lbs. All Up Weight (AUW).

4.4.1.1. Analysis. Analysis of vendor provided data will be used to ensure that the EMMPS main canopy(s) [use of 2 different sized canopies due to 2 different size harnesses is acceptable] are capable of deploying in all configurations with a parachutist weighing 165 lbs. to 425 lbs. AUW. The vendor provided data shall denote the altitudes (at least minimum and maximum), aircraft speeds, opening times, AUWs (including factor of safety multiplier), deployment methods, and any additional data (opening force, measurement methods, etc.) for each deployment configuration to allow assessment for meeting this requirement. Photographic and video data are also acceptable.

3.5.1.1. Deployment Weight Range. The E-MMPS reserve canopy shall be able to deploy with a parachutist within the minimum and maximum AUW of the main canopy.

4.5.1.1.1. Analysis. Analysis of vendor provided data will be used to ensure that the E-MMPS reserve canopy is able to deploy with a parachutist within the minimum and maximum AUW of the main canopy. The vendor provided data shall denote the altitudes (at least minimum and maximum), aircraft speeds, opening times, AUWs (including factor of safety multiplier), deployment methods, and any additional data (opening force, measurement methods, etc.) for each deployment configuration to allow assessment for meeting this requirement. Photographic and video data are acceptable.

What is the maximum AUW for the 5th percentile jumper?

Answer: The weight range of a two-sized proposal should meet the entire weight range. The AUW of the small system could depend on minimum AUW of the larger system. It could also depend on the performance of the smaller system at the 85% AUW performance. Proposal should consider that a 5th percentile jumper weighs 105 lbs., base equipment to include uniform, parachute and ancillary gear weighs 60 lbs., combat equipment weighs 80 lbs. Therefore a 5th percentile jumper with combat equipment would weigh approximately 245 lbs. The two systems may overlap in weight range.

Zodiac Parachute & Protection America has carefully reviewed the draft E-MMPS PSPEC. No questions arise out of our review. We do, however, offer the following observation for your consideration.

3.3.10.2. Military Cybernetic Parachute Release System. It is our opinion that the CYPRES 2 Model 1500 35A AAD could be activated at a speed so high as to require the use of two different drogue parachutes. It is also our considered opinion that 1,500 feet is too low for a military parachute.

Answer: 2,000 ft. above ground level is the maximum activation setting allowable in this performance specification.